Lifter Of My Head

So I was walking in the Redwood Forest with a couple of friends and I found myself constantly looking up. The ancient trees were calling my attention upward, straining to see the top, hoping to see the sky.

After some time walking, I was struck with the cliché "Keep Looking Up" and chuckled. It was almost involuntary for me. Compelled to look heavenward. I had no choice.

I believe in God -- Creator of the universe, Savior of my soul, Bright Morning Star, Coming King. But I confess that I am often buffeted by the waves of depression and oppression that the world throws at me. I am often sluggishly pursuing holiness under the cloud of my own guilt and sinfulness. I am human (not an excuse) and I'm a mess. I feel the attack and slander of the enemy. I feel like I'm all alone.

PSALM 3 says this:

O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”

Selah

But you are a shield around me, O LORD;
you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill.

Selah

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.
Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

Selah

So I walk through these magnificent specimens of deciduous growth and sing to God -- "Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me: You're my glory, You're the lifter of my head."

I'm going to keep looking up -- willfully when I can, and trusting God to be the Lifter of my head when I can't.

Selah